Putting Off Limitations

Clifford P. Smith

Absolutely speaking, error has no beginning, no origin, because it is not real. Examined in another way, error can be traced to its primary forms, and this tracing may help to expose error's illusions. Most of these primary forms, if not all of them, are shown by the definition of "serpent" on page 594 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. Among them is one distinct from the others as "the first lie of limitation." This incipient error is extremely important, because it seems to have given its character to all that is human or mortal. Everything that is human is limited. This characteristic of so-called human nature is its particular quality, its peculiar property.

We can say, therefore, that the most fundamental of all human needs is to get rid of limitations. The first need of human life is more of the infinite Life. The Saviour of men must have seen our plight in this way, for he said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." Indeed, as this saying is rendered by modern translators, he implied no limit to human ascension and expansion; he said, "I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly" (American Revised Version). So, to follow his course, we must continually put off human limitations and put on the infinite possibilities.

What is the most effective help for this purpose? The direct remedy for belief in limits is "that which is never unconscious nor limited," that is, "intelligence" (Science and Health, p. 588). To be saved from limits of every sort, we must cultivate the assistance and control of divine intelligence. This is the key to unlimited possibilities, the door to unrestricted progress. Intelligence derived from the divine source is the first aid for ascension, the means of complete salvation.

Pertinent for mention here is a word often used in a questionable way by more than a few Christian Scientists. They say, without explaining what they mean, "You must not outline." Beginners in the study of Christian Science have been puzzled by this saying; now and then they have been hindered by it. Many achievements in human life call for an intelligent plan. Is not intelligence available for righteous planning? The answer to these questions is furnished by part of the definition of "Mind" on page 591 of Science and Health: "Deity, which outlines but is not outlined." A logical conclusion from this clause and from the rest of Mrs. Eddy's writings is that outlining is not essentially wrong, and it may be quite right, especially when such planning is not for selfish desires or ends. Then, what do our friends mean when they say that we should not outline? Probably, they mean that we should not determine or forecast the action of divine Principle in this or that particular way. On this point, agreement can be unanimous.

Another questionable saying is that the only error is in your own thought. Apt for some situations, this dictum is not correct as a general proposition. It expresses a limited view of a limited subject. Error cannot affect anyone except by affecting his thought; but most of the impulses to be wrong or do wrong felt by a person who aims to be and do right, come to him from the collective error called mortal mind. Consider part of another definition in the Glossary of Science and Health (p. 583): "Animal magnetism; so-called mortal mind controlling mortal mind." The form of error described by these phrases is not all in your own thought; but, as the latter phrase indicates, mortal mind (the collective mind of mortals) cannot control you unless you identify yourself with it by thinking its thoughts.

The effects of errors external to ourselves can be instanced by the liability of almost everybody to limit his achievements to what is attained by other people in the same business, employment, or vocation. Almost everybody is tempted to feel that he has done well if he equals or exceeds what is usually done by other people engaged in the same pursuit. In this way, we allow others to set limits for us. So it can be said that the most commendable achievements to be found in all history are the attainments of those persons who broke through the limits set up by what had been done and was being done by other people. The true way has its perfect statement in these words by Mrs. Eddy (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 282): "You are going out to demonstrate a living faith, a true sense of the infinite good, a sense that does not limit God."

Clifford P. Smith

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Editorial

On Being Conscious of God's Presence

March 8, 1930

Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit